American Muslims celebrate Eid Al Adha ; Obama sends best wishes

WASHINGTON/ NEW YORK Oct 26 : Pakistani-Americans joined Muslims around the world and in the United States to celebrate Eid Al Azha as thousands of their relatives performed Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Muslims across the United States offered prayers at hundreds of mosques, Islamic centers and churches and exchanged Eid greetings and offered animal sacrifice following the tradition set by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

The United States is home to an estimated six million Muslims.

In their sermons, Imams and Khateebs, preached to the younger generation the Eid message of brotherhood, compassion, and charity and underscored the need for fostering values of mutual sharing and caring for others, particularly the underprivileged segments of the society.

In Washington, hundreds of people from the metro area comprising Virginia and Maryland offered prayers at the Islamic Center, where Washington-based diplomats from Islamic countries including Pakistan said prayers.

In Manhatten, Muslims living in New York gathered to offer prayers at the historic Islamic Center, where UN diplomats from Islamic countries offered prayers.

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama has expressed his best wishes for Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid al Azha and greeted the pilgrims who the pilgrims who performed Hajj this year.

“Michelle and I extend our best wishes for a joyful Eid al-Adha to Muslims in the United States and around the world. We also congratulate the millions of peaceful pilgrims who are performing the Hajj, including thousands of American Muslims,” Obama said in a statement released by the White House on Friday.

“Throughout the year, Muslims join members of many faiths in serving those suffering from hunger, disease, and conflict. Muslim communities will continue this practice as they celebrate Eid by distributing food and charity to those in need.

“Such acts of compassion underscore the shared values of the Abrahamic religions and people of all faiths. On behalf of the American people, we extend our warmest greetings on this holiday. Eid Mubarak,” Obama added.